Somerset

Somerset is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Somerset's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 4,414 people. This figure represents an increase of 347 individuals (8.5%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,067. The growth from June 2024's estimated resident population of 4,228, combined with 52 new addresses validated since the Census date, indicates this increase. This results in a density ratio of 164 persons per square kilometer, offering significant space per person and potential for further development. Somerset's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.5%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader. Interstate migration drove population growth, contributing approximately 83.1% of overall gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth by age group estimation, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Projected demographic shifts indicate an overall population decline of 357 persons by 2041, but growth is anticipated for specific age cohorts, notably the 75 to 84 age group, projected to expand by 179 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Somerset according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Somerset has received around 12 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totaling 60 homes. In FY-26 to date, there have been 3 approvals. Each dwelling built in Somerset between FY-21 and FY-25 resulted in an average of 2.7 new residents annually, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for these dwellings was $294,000.

This financial year, $554,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Tas., Somerset has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks at the 34th percentile nationally, suggesting more limited housing choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This is below the national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction in Somerset has been detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 473 people, indicating a quiet development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Somerset may experience less housing pressure, creating favorable conditions for buyers.

Somerset has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified three projects that are likely to impact this particular area. Notable projects include Langley Park Clubroom Redevelopment and Amenities Upgrade, Draft Outline Development Plan - Malakoff Street, North West Coastal Pathway - Wynyard to Burnie Section, and Marinus Link. The following list details those projects most relevant to the area.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Somerset has been broadly consistent with national averages

Somerset's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.4% in the past year, lower than Rest of Tas.'s 3.8%. Employment growth was estimated at 6.6% over the previous year.

As of September 2025, 1,976 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, 0.4% below Rest of Tas.'s rate. Workforce participation was 55.9%, slightly lower than Rest of Tas.'s 58.6%. According to Census responses, only 5.2% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries in Somerset include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

The area specializes strongly in mining, with an employment share 3.2 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 2.5% compared to the regional average of 8.4%. In the 12-month period ending May-25, employment increased by 6.6%, while the labour force grew by 6.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Tas., where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 0.5%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, covering five and ten-year periods ending May-30 and May-35 respectively, project national employment growth of 6.6% and 13.7%. Applying these projections to Somerset's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Somerset SA2 had a median income of $52,036 and an average of $60,526. This is lower than the national average. Rest of Tas., for comparison, had a median of $49,689 and an average of $59,358. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,031 (median) and $66,336 (average) as of September 2025. Census figures from 2021 indicate household, family, and personal incomes in Somerset fall between the 7th and 11th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows 29.7% earning $400 - $799 weekly (1,310 residents). After housing, 86.2% of income remains, ranking at the 10th percentile nationally.

Somerset is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Somerset, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. In Non-Metro Tas., it was also 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Somerset was 41.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.7% and rented ones at 28.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Somerset was $1,192, below Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,274. Median weekly rent in Somerset was $240, compared to Non-Metro Tas.'s $250. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Somerset features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.1% of all households, including 20.7% couples with children, 31.7% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households at 2.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

Somerset faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (30.9%). A total of 24.7% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 10.1% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Somerset has 32 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 83 different routes that together facilitate 5,699 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 241 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 96%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 814 trips per day, equating to approximately 178 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Somerset is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Somerset faces significant health challenges, as highlighted by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions impact both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% (~2,171 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (10.6%). Conversely, 58.9% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 62.0% in Rest of Tas.. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.5% (1,215 people), compared to 24.9% in Rest of Tas.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

The latest Census data sees Somerset placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Somerset's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.5% of its population born in Australia, 92.5% being citizens, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Somerset is Christianity, which accounts for 43.1% of the population. This figure is similar to the 43.0% recorded across the Rest of Tas.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (35.0%), English (34.8%), and Irish (7.7%). Notably, some ethnic groups have different representations in Somerset compared to regional averages: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 5.7% (compared to 4.1%), Dutch at 1.5% (compared to 1.7%), and Welsh at 0.5% (compared to 0.4%).

Somerset hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Somerset's median age at 49 years is significantly higher than the Rest of Tas. average of 45 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Tas., the 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented in Somerset, making up 16.3% of its population compared to the national figure of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that between 2016 and 2021, the 65 to 74 age group grew from 13.5% to 14.9%, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 15.3% to 16.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 11.0% to 9.4% and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 5.2% to 4.1%. By 2041, Somerset's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75 to 84 group will grow by 32%, reaching 538 people from 406. This aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth in the area. Conversely, both the 45 to 54 and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.